Obituaries March 23, 2016

She was born on January 4, 1943, in East Burke, to Kenneth and Violet Deth.

On April 2, 1963, she married Howard Clifford Bingham Sr., who predeceased her on June 14, 2004.

She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #80 of Island Pond and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #798 Auxiliary of Newport.

Her hobbies included crafts, picking berries, doing needlepoint, and making Christmas wreaths and garland.

She is survived by her children: Roena Belanger and her husband, Michael, of Tuttle, Howard Bingham Jr. of Island Pond, Rachel Garfield of Eden, and Patty Lewis of Manchester, New Hampshire; her grandchildren: Tabatha Young, Adam Young, Felicia Garfield, Eric Garfield, Sabrina Garfield, Gabrielle Garfield, and Dillion LeSage; her great-grandson Freddie Pullen; her siblings: Jeanett and Russell Poon of Massachusetts, Raymond and Ruth Deth of Burke, Walt and Shirley Deth of Derby, and Roberta Hinton of Sutton; her stepmother Elaine Deth of East Haven; her stepbrothers: David Deth of East Haven, Rupert and Lorie Deth of Sutton, and Kenneth Deth of West Burke; and by several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Violet Deth; her brother Albert Deth; and by her step-brother James Deth.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, at the First Congregational Church in Island Pond, with the Reverend Alan Magoon officiating. Friends may call at the church on March 23, from noon until the hour of the funeral.

Should friends desire, contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Vermont, 300 Corner Stone Drive, Suite 128, Williston, Vermont 05495. Spring interment will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

Arthur “Art” Norman Dow

Arthur “Art” Norman Dow, 84, died on March 18, 2016, in Newport.

He was born on September 25, 1931, in Orleans, to Maurice Dow and Dale Ramsdell Dow, who predeceased him. He married Glenn Stone on October 30, 1954. They were happily married for 61 years.

Mr. Dow grew up in Orleans. He graduated from Orleans High School in Orleans. After high school he joined the Air Force in 1950 and served for four years during the Korean War.

He worked at Tivoly (formerly Butterfields) for 31 years as a logistics manager.

Mr. Dow enjoyed fishing, hunting, taking meticulous care of his yard, and vacationing with friends and family in Saint Martin. He also loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was also a member the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and served as an exalted ruler for the Newport lodge.

He is survived by his spouse, Glenn, of Newport; his son Bradley Dow of Texas; his son Steven Dow and his wife, Lidia, of Texas; his sister Joyce Walchle and her husband, Randy, of Indiana; his grandchildren: Steven Dow and his wife, Kayla, Christopher Lalich and his wife, Amanda, and Victoria Hight and her husband, Josh; his great-grandchildren: Bradley Dow, Adelyn Dow, and Harper Hight; and by several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was predeceased by his son Gary Allyn Dow; his sister Shirley Gilfillan; and by his brother Pete Dow.

A memorial service will be held on June 25 at Pleasant View Cemetery in Orleans. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

Douglas Brian Hopkins

Douglas Brian Hopkins, 69, of New Haven, Connecticut, died peacefully at home on March 12, 2016.

He was born in Norwich on February 20, 1947, the second son of Leonard and Eleanor (Connie) Hopkins.

In 1965, he graduated from Lexington High School in Massachusetts, and went on to receive a fine arts degree at Boston University in 1969. At a young age he won a prestigious award in a regional Boston Globe art contest for his outstanding black and white drawing of a dog. He was an exceptional artist and he had an eclectic and creative career. He began working in the marketing/advertising/promotional product area, first at Norman Buffett Co. in Boston, Massachusetts, where he met and married his wife. In 1974 they moved to Madison, Connecticut, and opened a small gift/decorating shop called Gazebo. He later continued his career with Harvey Hubbell and Chesebrough Ponds. In 1987, he returned to self-employment at Group H in Madison, providing similar marketing services.

In 2004, he moved north to his family’s camp on Lake Willoughby in Westmore, where he always found peace and enjoyment. There, he worked with a builder to totally renovate the camp to make it a beautiful year-round home. He also opened and ran a successful local restaurant, Kingdom Cooking, and Mr. Bear’s Bar. Around 2008 he returned to live in Connecticut, settling in East Haven, and, most recently, in New Haven.

Mr. Hopkins was passionate about renovating houses! He had an extraordinary ability to do this well, and to leave his unique mark on each, which meant he moved a lot. When he moved back to Connecticut from Vermont, he started another thriving business with his friend, Gary Johnson, called Fresh Perspectives, staging homes for sale, often furnishing them, and organizing estate sales. Another unique form of artistic expression that he was passionate about were his ornate and colorful Asian tattoos that covered nearly his entire body. He began the tattooing over ten years ago and he was always looking forward to adding to his body art!

Doug Hopkins was a uniquely caring, passionate, and generous family member and friend, always at the ready to come alongside those with a need or a problem, a joy, or a heartache. He loved others well. He put his all into his work. He left a uniquely “Doug mark” on this world. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He loved and enjoyed his family!

He is survived by his beloved daughter, son, and granddaughter: Lindsey B. Hopkins, Walker R. Hopkins, and Emilie M. Albert; his older brother Richard Hopkins of Westborough, Massachusetts; his sister Deborah and her husband, Raymond Vorce, of New Castle, New Hampshire; and by his sister Suzanne and her husband, William McDonough, of Framingham, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Leigh Walker and her children: Zachary and Mallory, of Westborough Massachusetts; Sharon Hopkins and her husband, Lincoln Hobby, and her daughter Carleigh Gaudrea of Worcester, Massachusetts; Jennifer Smallidge and her husband, Eric, and her children: Evelyn, Jeremy, and Audrey, of Woodbridge, Virginia; Jessica Lockwood and her fiancé, Jonathan Chapman, of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Jared Lockwood of Bolton, Massachusetts; Liam McDonough and his wife, Erika, and his children: Myla and Lucas of Lunenburg, Massachusetts; Devin McDonough and Cory McDonough of Framingham. He is also survived by his former wife Catharine Hopkins of Madison, Connecticut.

Funeral services were held on March 18 in New Haven.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made in his memory to The Connecticut Food Bank, 2 Research Parkway, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492.

Donna Rae Parmenter

Donna Rae Parmenter, 78, of Mesa, Arizona, died on March 13, 2016, surrounded by her family.

She was born on January 4, 1938, in Newport, to Theodore and Catherine Parmenter. She was a graduate of North Troy High School, Class of 1955.

She is survived by her daughter Laurie Parmenter; and by her three sons: Scott Rivard and his wife, Kim, Jeff Rivard, and Timothy Rivard and his wife, Melissa. She cherished her family, and especially her grandchildren: Meghan, Matthew, Jennifer, Jordan, and Kayla; and her great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Hunter, Shawn, Sophia, Joshua, Ava, Cohen, Madison, and Molly. She also leaves behind her sister Nancy Parmenter Allen and her husband, Charles; her niece Cathryn Ste.Marie and her husband, Peter, and their seven children; her nephew David Judd and his daughter; her sister-in-law Jessie Piercy Parmenter; her nieces: Cindy Patenaude and her husband, Donald, and their families, and Valerie Spooner and her husband, Jim, and their families; her nephews: Michael Parmenter and his family, and Barry Parmenter and Danielle. She will be missed by many cousins and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her son Stephen Rivard; her companion and friend Gerard Puebla; her parents; and by her brother Theodore Parmenter Jr.

A celebration of her life was held in Gilbert, Arizona, on March 18.

Florence Kelley Thompson

Florence Kelley Thompson died on the morning of March 18, 2016, surrounded by family in the comfort of her own home.

She was born in Brownington on July 23, 1910, the daughter of Erwin and Alice Mabel Kelley. As a child, she attended elementary school in Brownington and high school in Orleans, before attending Lyndon Normal School to pursue a career of teaching. She taught in many one-room schools in the area, boarding with local families while she taught at Andersonville, Glover, Burton Hill, and Lowell Mountain School in Irasburg. As a lone teacher she covered the three Rs, as well as art and music. She also hosted box suppers for the students and their families, and helped put on plays. Eventually, she became a supervisor at the Orleans telephone office, working the switchboard, hiring, and training.

On June 6, 1945, she married Harry Thompson, and three children were born to them: Laurence, Alicia, and Miriam.

Mrs. Thompson was very active in every community organization she belonged to. A Seventh Degree Granger, she was a member of the Brownington Grange for 89 years, acting as their pianist for many years. Her affiliations included Home Demonstration Group in Brownington, Christmas Club, and Ladies Aide treasurer. While she was a lifelong member of the Orleans Federated Church, her commitment was to the Brownington Congregational Church, where she served for 40 years as its organist and choir director, as well as superintendent of the Sunday school.

Meeting Mrs. Thompson filled you with joy. She always adored a visit; she was an active listener, unassuming but mischievous. She was a devout Christian, and people who met her realized that she was one of God’s gentlewomen. What’s more, she loved her Brownington country life: singing, breathing fresh Brownington air, walks down the West Road, feeding the birds, chipmunk relocation, fresh garden vegetables, chocolate, sugar-on-snow, raising chickens, milking cows, and wildflowers.

She is survived by her children: her son Laurence and his wife, Barbara, and their two daughters: Laura and her partner, Nathanael Reynolds, and Corinna and her husband, Stephane Meloche; her daughter Alicia Marcotte and her friend, Bruce Gadwah, and her five children: son Ethan and his wife, Elizabeth Galle, son Jared and his wife, Nancy Khuu, son Aaron and his partner, Erin McGuire, daughter Cara, and daughter Jade; and her daughter Miriam and her two children: Kelley, and Harry Williams and his wife, Tonya. She was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Hailey and Alia Williams, and Ceiran Marcotte and Taryn Khuu.

She was predeceased by her husband, Harry, who died in 1982; as well as her half-brothers: Laurence and Leslie Kelley.

Funeral services were held at the Brownington Village Congregational Church on March 21.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brownington Village Congregational Church Memorial Fund, in care of Yvonne Mandeville, 4335 Coventry Station Road, Orleans, Vermont 05860.

Online condolences at curtis-britch.com.

Sandra (Hemenway) Wentworth

Sandra (Hemenway) Wentworth, 73, of Porter Corners, New York, died at home, surrounded by her loving family, on March 10, 2016.

She was born in Barton.

She worked at BJ’s Wholesale Club for a number of years before retirement.

She was a member of the Quilt North Quilting Club in Clifton Park, New York, and owner of Meme Creative Crafts in Wilton, New York. She enjoyed quilting, crafts, travel, and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons: Kevin Wentworth and his partner, Lori Garceau, Kyle Wentworth and his wife, Jessica, and Keith Wentworth and his partner, Jodie Archer; her daughter-in-law Sue Wentworth; her mother, Shirley Hemenway; her sister Sherri Devine and her husband, Allan; her brother Hale Hemenway and his wife, Sandra Jean; her grandchildren: Erin Wentworth, Aiden Wentworth, and Noah Wentworth; and by her extended family: Carol Mei Jiang and her husband, Joe, Jacqueline Mei, Eugene Mei, and several nieces and nephews

She was predeceased by her sister Kim Hemenway; her son Kerry Wentworth; her father, Fern Hale Hemenway; and by her husband, Nelson M. Wentworth, who died on September 24, 2002.

Funeral services were held in Greenfield Center, New York, on March 19.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph’s Church, P.O. Box 547, Greenfield Center, New York, 12833; or to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866.

Online condolences at mevecfuneralhome.com.

Kevin John Wheeler Sr.

Kevin John Wheeler Sr., 48, of Newport Center, formerly of Lyndonville, died from a heart attack at North Country Hospital in Newport on Monday night, March 14, 2016.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 19, 1967, son to Joan Ann (Baccellieri) Wheeler and the late James Preston Wheeler. He was raised and educated in carpentry, graduating from Lake Region Union High School in the Class of 1986. He worked at NSA in Lyndonville, and later as a self-employed carpenter. For the past three years he has been employed with Next Level Construction as a contractor.

He was a member of the Pleasant Street Baptist Church in St. Johnsbury and enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, camping, country music, and being outdoors. His level of energy brightened a room and he had an infectious laughter. He and his grandson Kale have formed an everlasting bond and they really enjoyed their time together. He was very passionate about animals and adored his dog Nigel and grand-dog Brutus.

Mr. Wheeler was an excellent friend and always put others ahead of himself. French will sure miss his sidekick and taping buddy. He loved to cook for the neighborhood and wouldn’t take “I’m full” for an answer. In the last three years you wouldn’t see him without his other half, Carrie. She forever changed his life in a positive light. He loved his children dearly and would never hesitate to tell us how proud he was of our accomplishments. He will be missed by everybody who he touched. His memories will be forever cherished.

He is survived by his companion, Carrie Fisher, of Newport Center; his son Kevin Jr., also of Newport Center; his daughter Stacey Newsom and her husband, Sean, of Claremont, New Hampshire; his mother, Joan Wheeler, also of Claremont; a brother, Kenny Wheeler, and his wife, Lisa, of Lyndonville; a sister, Bonnie Ritchotte, and her husband, Tom, of Littleton, New Hampshire; his two grandchildren: Kale Dubois and Camden Allen; his two nieces: Sara Steele and her husband, Jonas, and Samantha Rossi and her husband, Joel; and by his good friends David Silloway and Jeffrey French.

Funeral services were held on March 18 in St. Johnsbury. Burial will take place at the Lyndon Center Cemetery in Lyndonville at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 16.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lyndon Dog Pound, payable to “Town of Lyndon,” and mailed to Lyndon Town Clerk, P.O. Box 167, Lyndonville, Vermont 05851.

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